The decision to legalise the sale of recreational marijuana in Colorado was hugely controversial, with some claiming it would lead to a massive rise in crime and a fall in economic productivity.

But despite the initial fears, Colorado is making millions out of marijuana sales while crime is FALLING.

The state's Department of Revenue reported nearly £15m worth in recreational weed sales in March, a £2.5m rise on the previous month.

The legalisation of the drug has dramatically increased the state's tax revenues while a whole batch of weed-related jobs have been created.

From "budtending" to marijuana journalism and farm ownership it seems Colorado is thriving.

“It's obvious that as people see the concrete benefits of legalising marijuana with their own eyes, support will continue to go up”

Tom Angell

Legal cannabis sales in the US are projected to top £2bn this year, split between the 21 states that allow the sale of some form of marijuana.

The positives of legalisation have boosted support for calls to make cannabis legal across America.

"It's obvious that as people see the concrete benefits of legalising marijuana with their own eyes, support will continue to go up," said Marijuana Majority's Tom Angell.

"Now that real jobs and real tax revenue are being created, it makes sense that more and more people who were previously skeptical are starting to get on board."

PASS IT ON: There have been calls to make cannabis legal across America [GETTY]

However there are those who argue the overall fall in crime is not a true reflection of the problems caused by legalisation.

Last month Denver police said a man ate marijuana-infused candy before murdering his wife.

It came soon after a college student leapt to his death from a hotel balcony after eating a cookie laced with weed.

According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists there is "growing evidence" of that people with serious mental illness, such as depression and psychosis, are more likely to use cannabis or have used it for long periods in the past.

A study of 1600 children aged between 14 and 15 found that children who use cannabis regularly have a significantly higher risk of depression.